Is More Cylinders Always Better for an Engine?
2 Answers
There is no direct correlation. More cylinders in an engine generally indicate a larger displacement and correspondingly stronger power output. However, as the number of cylinders increases, the number of related components such as throttle valves also rises, leading to more complex designs and higher maintenance costs. The Baowjun's fuel consumption is approximately 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Driving habits affect fuel consumption: Poor driving habits lead to higher fuel consumption. Habits such as prolonged idling, sudden acceleration and braking, shifting gears at excessively high or low RPMs, frequent speeding or crawling at very low speeds are major contributors to increased fuel consumption. During idle stops, the engine consumes significantly more fuel than during normal driving. Therefore, it is advisable to turn off the engine when the vehicle is stationary for extended periods, such as when waiting for someone. A smooth and steady driving style is the most fuel-efficient. Avoid stomping on the accelerator during starts; gradual acceleration and maintaining a constant speed are the most economical. Low-quality gasoline affects fuel consumption: Using low-quality gasoline directly impacts fuel consumption. Inferior gasoline produces more impurities compared to standard-quality fuel, which can clog fuel lines more easily, resulting in incorrect air-fuel ratios, overly rich mixtures, and incomplete combustion before exhaust, leading to increased fuel consumption. Therefore, whenever possible, choose reputable gas stations for refueling.
Last time I drove my friend's V12 sports car, I was truly amazed by the silky smooth acceleration. The most obvious advantage of having more cylinders is that the power delivery is as smooth and powerful as a Dove chocolate commercial – at traffic lights, hardly anyone dares to challenge you. But more cylinders aren’t a cure-all – not to mention the skyrocketing fuel consumption, the heavy feeling in traffic is like driving a tank, and a single maintenance session costs as much as three major services for a regular car. For everyday family cars, a four-cylinder is more than enough; today’s turbocharged 2.0T engines deliver horsepower comparable to V6s from a decade ago. If I had to choose, a six-cylinder 3.0T would be the sweet spot – plenty of power without breaking the bank.
